Will volunteers work in a safe environment?

In all of our program locations, lodging is provided in a compound that is monitored by security. You will have a translator with you throughout the day and into the early evening, prior to returning to your lodging location. We do recommend, as would be true in many places in the US, that you do not venture out alone, that you leave your valuables at home and that you conduct yourself with reasonable awareness of your surroundings. Our volunteers have never reported a significant sense of lack of safety in Haiti.

Where will I sleep?

In Hinche, volunteers stay in one of several locations (an orphanage compound, a rectory or the Bishop's house). Beds are present in all. It is hot, however, and noisy. Ear plugs or a sleeping aid may be helpful. In Cite Soleil, the housing is in dorms on bunk beds with decent matresses. In all locations, mosquito netting is recommended for sleep.

Is the water safe?

In all of our lodging locations there is safe water. You should bring a water bottle so that you can fill up each morning and have water with you. You may not have access to safe water once you leave your lodging location.

Are there any creature comforts?

There are some creature comforts but probably not anything close to what you are used to! Showers are cold and sometimes outdoor. There is no air conditioning. Toilets are normally available but they may or may not have flushing capacity. (i.e., it may be an outhouse)

What are the costs?

A trip is a financial investment. Plan to spend about $1200+. (Your airfare to Haiti, plus about $700-$800 dollars for the first week and an additional $500 for each subsequent week.) This covers food, lodging, ground transportation, and translators. You are responsible for your expenses.

May I seek contributions to support my work?

You may receive contributions and if the money is sent to Midwives For Haiti, with a note on the check or attached that this donation is to support your travel, you may be reimbursed for your expenses. You may only be reimbursed for those expenses that are documented with a receipt. Your donors will receive a tax donation form from Midwives For Haiti.

What supplies should I bring?

Please look elsewhere on this website, specifically under the Volunteer Information provided for your travel location. Supplies are slightly different per site. Generally, you need to bring everything that you would normally need to practice (e.g., gloves, sutures, antibiotics, vitamins, etc.) You will often use your own supplies throughout the week.

Is there a way to communicate with my family while I am in Haiti?

Midwives For Haiti owns a phone that can be used with the purchase (in Haiti) of a digicel card. $5.00 will provide a 5 minute call to the US. Calls can be both sent and received on this phone. The number is 509-3649-2286. AT&T cell service is very good in Haiti, so is Verizon with an international card. Internet service is spotty in Haiti.

A device called a Peek is a good alternative for email only. It costs $60 for the device and $50/month with an international plan, which can be prorated for the actual time you use the device. No contract is required and it can be turned off to stop charges once you return home. It must be turned on 3 days prior to your trip. It works very well and is reliable. Find it at www.getpeek.com.

How can my family reach me in an emergency?

If you family needs to reach you, they can call the cell phone in Hinche. Unless you have phone service in Haiti yourself, this is the best way. The number is 509-3649-2286.

What are typical travel dates and times?

We send volunteers to Haiti year round. We need you to arrive in Haiti on a Saturday and leave Haiti on a Saturday, unless you make other arrangements with us. Traveling on another day may cause you to incur greater ground transportation costs in Haiti. You must stay at least one week and may stay multiple weeks if you would like.

Last updated April 18, 2010